The start of 2018 has been marked by extreme weather, including heat, cold, precipitation and high winds, with widespread impacts on public safety, transport, energy and health. National meteorological and hydrological services have issued regular and reliable forecasts and warnings about the weather and water-related hazards.

An expert review has been launched of the effectiveness of early warnings in the Caribbean during the devastating 2017 hurricane season in order to strengthen resilience against future disasters. The World Meteorological Organization and regional and international partners will make the assessment as part of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative. Findings are expected to be published in 2018, ahead of the next North Atlantic and Caribbean hurricane season.